SLCene Suggests: Jason Isbell at Red Butte Garden

Regular readers of this spot know all about my love of Jason Isbell’s music. Last year seemed to be the tipping point of his songwriting brilliance finally getting some of the recognition it deserves. The release of his Southeastern album was hailed far and wide as one of the best albums of the year, earning Isbell praise from national media outlets like NPR and The New York Times Magazine–all of them inspired by both the music and Isbell’s personal redemption tale after kicking a drinking problem before making Southeastern. Isbell has been a touring animal since his days as part of Drive-by Truckers, and we’ve been lucky to have him come through Utah several times through the years. This will be his first visit to Red Butte Garden, though, so it’s sure to be special gig. Helping that happen will be openers The Lone Bellow, a country-rock trio out of Brooklyn who released a fine album of their own last year. Some Red Butte regulars might remember their gig opening for Brandi Carlile last year.